How to Train Your Chihuahua
Chihuahua puppy training is a challenge partly because
the puppies are so small. Being very gentle with your
puppy is a must because the puppies are frail and often
easily frightened. But with patience and persistence,
you can usually make quick progress toward your training
goals. You do have training goals, right?
Socialization
Chihuahua puppy care includes proper socialization.
Socialization best occurs before the puppy is 3 months
old. Avoid frightening and painful experiences. Try
some of the following.
* Invite friends to meet your Chihuahua.
* Carry your puppy to places where there are groups
of people.
* Take your pup for car rides.
* Introduce your puppy to being bathed, brushed and
inspected.
* Let your puppy experience anything and everything
you wish them to become comfortable around.
Behavior Training
Gentle training is a must for Chihuahua puppy training
if you expect to have a well balanced adult dog. Discipline
must be done with kindness and patience, never by slapping,
hitting and kicking. Rough training is uncalled for
with any dog, but especially for very small dogs. Reward
the behavior you seek with high praise and limited treats.
Start early to guide your puppy's behavior rather that
waiting until you're working with an adult. A dog's
behavior can be changed at any age. But it's far easier
to guide behavior in a small puppy than to correct adult
behavior. And don't even think about letting negative
behavior go unaddressed. That's a sure road to frustration
for you and your pet.
What About Chihuahua Potty Training?
House training a Chihuahua dog is a must. Of course
a dog that isn't house trained makes a mess. But the
mess isn't the real problem. If you don't quickly train
your dog, your puppy will end up at another home. Hardly
anyone can take the frustration of a constant mess.
That's why proper house training is so important.
A common method for house training a Chihuahua puppy
is the crate method. Puppies won't usually soil their
sleeping area. You can confine the puppy is a crate
and then very frequently remove the puppy to the area
for waste elimination. I the puppy has an accident,
quickly carry them to the proper place. A few days of
this close supervision will probably teach the desired
behavior. Remember though that accidents will happen
so be patient and consistent.
Barking And Whining
First try to determine the reason for the barking and
whining? Is the puppy uncomfortable? Why? Is there a
good reason? Is the puppy too full of energy? How about
more exercise? Or is the racket just blackmail? Part
of Chihuahua care is teaching your puppy to handle isolation
and separation. Dogs can't get everything they want
any more than people can.
Puppies need time with people to feel secure. But don't
accept uncontrolled barking that irritates all the humans
within hearing distance of this dog.
Biting, Mouthing Chewing
Puppies bite and chew on body parts and clothes. That's
just part of being a puppy. But early on, this painful
and destructive behavior must stop. Puppy biting and
chewing that turns into adult dog biting and chewing
is no laughing matter.
Much biting will be controlled if the dog has a chance
to play with other puppies. Absent interaction with
other dogs, you become the teacher. You can try pained
expression of your displeasure with a loud "OUCH". Express
the pain but not in an angry manner. Maybe you can leave
the room for a short time.
Chihuahua training should begin early and always remember
to be gentle and patient with your little puppy. Consistent
discipline over a period of time will train your Chihuahua
puppy to be the well-balanced pet you want.
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